
Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series
CHS 2 Hike - Around Mother Mountain
Do you love epic views, wildflowers, diverse terrain, log and suspension bridges, waterfalls, and roaring rivers? Yes! Then, this legendary and challenging hike Around Mother Mountain was created just for you. Load up your pack with energizing snacks, electrolytes, and water, and let’s go adventuring to create exciting memories and share our stories about conquering this route. CHS hike led at a CHS 2 pace (2.0-3.0 mph)
- Sun, Aug 25, 2024
- Seattle Hiking Committee
- Day Hiking
- Adults
- Strenuous/Very Strenuous
- Challenging
- Mileage: 17.5 mi
- Elevation Gain: 5,000 ft
- Pace: 2.0-3.0 mph
- 2 (8 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
Sturdy water-proof footwear and trekking poles are recommended.
Vault toilets are available near the Spray Park TH.
Please bring small, energizing snacks that are easily consumed during our short 5-minute breaks that you can eat on the go! A treat will be provided during our bunch break, a well-deserved energizing GF treat as we relax near the Carbon River Creek.
SAFETY will always be our priority! Please be prepared for the following:
- Narrow trails with sharp drop offs.
- Log bridges over the fast moving and roaring Carbon River.
- Off-trail travel as we may need to navigate around fallen trees, rocky riverbeds, or other obstacles.
- Climbing over or under trees that are blocking the trail.
- Creek crossing with slippery rocks. Poles will be helpful for all water crossings.
- Muddy, slick trails or trails with running water. Poles will be helpful.
My co-leader, Ann, and I are looking forward to sharing this legendary hike with you. More details about this hike will be provided in the “Hello Hiker” email.
Location: Spray Park Trailhead @ Mowich Lake
Meeting Time: 7:45am Boots on the Trail: 8:00am to 8:15am
Directions: Use google maps for directions to Spray Park Trailhead. The WTA recommends these directions: From Puyallup, drive east for 13 miles on Highway 410 to the small town of Buckley. Turn right onto Highway 165 and continue through Carbonado. You're looking for Mowich Lake Road, which is beyond the Carbon River Gorge bridge, right outside of town. Turn right onto Mowich Lake Road and follow it about 17 miles to its end. Note that this is dirt and gravel road and can be rough. Consider bringing a high-clearance or 4-wheel drive vehicle. The trailhead is on the left side of the road, near Mowich Lake.
Parking Pass: Federal Northwest Forest Pass/America the Beautiful. You can purchase an annual pass or print a one-day pass or an electronic pass here.
Carpooling: Meet South Renton Park and Ride, 205 S 7th St, Renton, WA 98057 at 5:45am. Load up and depart by 6:00am. Google maps will provide accurate driving directions to South Renton PR. Its approximately 90 minutes to the trailhead.
Route: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/ptyHKOjt9JoR6gdIBkl3RCX9
Weather: Please check the local weather the night before and the morning of the hike at NWS for Mowich Lake and Around Mother Mountain. Please note, the weather on Saturday, August 24th, 2024, is extremely unfavorable to support our safety. Consequently, the hike has been rescheduled for Sunday, August 25th, 2024.
Around Mother Mountain
-
Green Trails Mt Rainier West No. 269
Green Trails Mount Rainier Wonderland No. 269SX - See full route/place details.
Required Equipment
Ten Essential Systems
- Navigation (map & compass)
- Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
- Insulation (extra clothing)
- Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
- First-aid supplies
- Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
- Repair kit and tools
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (extra water)
- Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)